Escaping Reality...With My Enemy

Part IX ~ Replaced?

TW: vaping

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*Dream's POV*

I watched George leave for the day ducking out of the school's doors after doing a quick scan of the grounds. I guess he determined it was safe because he quickly exited the building. He stopped for a split second when he saw me, then hid his very obvious smile when he continued walking.

I couldn't help but let the corners of my mouth tug my lips into a half smile. His happiness was so infectious. When he turned his back, I was pulled back into the conversation I was apparently a part of. I dropped my smile.

"See you guys later!" Sapnap called over his shoulder.

"Wait-where are you going? We have practice in a half hour," I said.

Everyone in the group turned to me and Punz laughed. "Where have you been for the past two minutes?" he said in disbelief.

"I just have a lot going on," I replied, not wanting to receive any prodding questions. Sapnap gave a sympathetic smile, turned for the second time, and left uninterrupted this time.

"Well, that's fair. You've been out of football for a while and practicing for state is nerve wracking but we're all here to support each other," one of the sophomores with a name I couldn't recall said.

I fought to not roll my eyes. Yes, because football is my entire life and personality. Instead I just said, "Mmhm."

The group dispersed and Sam and I leaned against the building with a deep breath from both of us. He pulled out a vape from his pocket and took a puff. I was a bit stunned that he would do this out in the open but even if the teachers saw, would they do anything? He extended the offer to me. I shrugged even though I don't usually vape and took a puff.

"You alright?"

"Yeah, like I said - I just got a lot going on."

"Mm." He took his vape back and inhaled deeply, blowing it all out in a careless, fluffy cloud. It was silent for a while. We traded the vape back and forth, letting it draw the stress out of our bodies.

"How's tutoring?" Before I could answer he quickly added, "...with George." There weren't any negative connotations or tones or anything in his question. It was like he was genuinely wondering. I can't remember the last time someone asked me a real question without wanting something from it or making assumptions before.

The question caught me slightly off guard to say the least. "Oh, yeah, it's fine, I guess," I answered as casually as I could. I've always been pretty good at lying but for some reason lying to Sam was different. He didn't even have to look at me. That's just how it is.

Sam nodded knowingly and took another drag of his vape. Another moment of silence went by before he asked, "Are you okay?"

My head snapped toward him. "What?"

"After the suspension, I mean. Are you mentally okay?" It was the first time he looked at me during our conversation.

I avoided eye contact. "Mhm." I swiped his vape and took a long drag.

"What does that mean for college applications? I mean, we're juniors and submitting applications soon if you haven't already started."

I was terrified of thinking about this type of thing but I felt like Sam could use my fears against me in some way. I really don't think he would but any other guy on the team minus a select few would only be asking these questions if they had a hidden ulterior motive. Not Sam, though. I still denied it out of habit. "I'm fine. If I can explain what happened to the admission counselors I'm sure it'll end up being fine."